This news is not surprising to me after I read the transcript of what Modly told the crew of the Theodore Roosevelt about their commanding officer who was relieved earlier this week:
Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly resigned Tuesday amid mounting criticism for his disparaging comments about the commander of the USS Theodore Roosevelt who he fired over a leaked letter requesting aid for the coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper said in a statement Tuesday that he had accepted Modly’s resignation.
“He resigned on his own accord, putting the Navy and the sailors above self so that the USS Theodore Roosevelt, and the Navy as an institution, can move forward,” Esper said.
Stars & Stripes
You can read more at the link, but I understand why Captain Crozier was relieved, but it probably would have been better to let an investigation happen first.
However, Secretary Modly just through gasoline on the fire with his remarks about Captain Crozier that was addressed to the crew of the Theodore Roosevelt. Most of his remarks were actually spot on and very good points, but attacking Crozier as being “too naïve or too stupid to be the commanding officer of a ship like this” was uncalled for in my opinion.
He should have been smart enough to know he should have just thanked Crozier for his service and that this was an unfortunate one-time incident that shouldn’t take away from the brilliant career he had, or words to that effect.
Ultimately here is yet another mess for the U.S. Navy. They are on their third Secretary of the Navy since November. I feel bad for all the great sailors that have to deal with this circus.
